Monday, January 11, 2016

A few weeks before Christmas I finished my Simplicity 7239 from 1967. The model on the envelope is Veronica Hamel. I have several patterns that feature her that I intend to make.

I fell in love with this pattern when I saw someone make it on the facebook group WeSewRetro Sew & Tell, and when I saw the pattern in my size I snatched it up! I used green suede cloth, and "lined" it with a mod print cotton that I had purchased for another dress that I never made. The lining of this dress is actually treated like underling so there was a lot of hand basting to all of those panels.

Basting

I like to baste/hand sew with vintage Belding Corticelli silk. This silk is smooth and easy to sew with. Even though you have to pull the thread out and throw it away at the end, it's totally worth the cost in my opinion. You can see my lining in the above photo.

I stalled out for awhile when I got to the sleeves. On the envelope the sleeves are described as "raglan-type". Ok, so they are a little high on the shoulder. These do not work/look like most raglan sleeves. They are darted, and are set in. They could easily turn into a puff sleeve look if you end up with too much ease at the top. I almost decided to make a basic long sleeve, but I am glad I didn't. The dart gives a slightly lifted shoulder, and feels very avant-garde, even though the pattern is 49 years old!

The only thing I changed about the dress is the length. #1 because I am 5'3, and I always have to shorten everything, #2 because I am 5'3 so all these dresses are designed to hit at the worst place possible on my legs so I shorten them to give the false illusion that I have long legs. That's also what the platforms are for. The good news about being short is that you get to use less fabric than what is required!

This is me trying to be cute and replicate the envelope. ha.

Don't mind the wrinkles! I had just spent 6 hours at a big antique show when my husband decided he was ready to take pics of this dress.

I do love this dress although I think I have only worn it the one time so far. It's great for fall with the "lining", For winter it just needs some thick tights.Well, at least here in Georgia, where it's still hovering around 50°F here during the day.

And now I will leave you with a decade appropriate song (and one of my faves):

Friday, October 30, 2015

A few weeks ago I made Simplicity 9519 view 2. I have recently become enamoured with Prairie Girl dresses from the early 70s so this seemed like the perfect project.

Simplicity 9519 featured in Simplicity Style News August 1971

The pattern was released in 1971, and (after a really long internet search, then sorting through a random free pile of patterns someone gave me) I was able to track down the "Simplicity Fashion News" flyer that featured the pattern in some really, really awful fabric.

My husband was being a dork. I couldn't stop laughing.

I used some stash fabric that I had been saving for the perfect dress. A dusty lavender striped linen. Now, I LOVE the fabric. I only liked working with it though. First, linen is a little wiggly. You wouldn't thinks so, but it likes to slip around a little while cutting, and it had stripes so there was a lot of remeasuring to keep the grain exactly straight. Also, linen wrinkles. In like a second. I had freshly pressed the dress, then driven 20 min to Rose Hill Cemetery for the pictures, completely wrinkled.

The only thing I changed from view 2 was the collar. I used the collar from view 3. I kind of wish I'd gone with the ruffled collar. Of course, you can't see any of this because I am wearing my big black shawl, and channeling Stevie Nicks.

The pattern was quite simple, and a relatively quick sew. I definitely recommend the pattern. Probably the most difficult part is inserting the zipper, which really isn't that hard. I am going to love wearing this for fall! And for all my vintage Coach lovers I was carrying my City Bag, which I thought went well with the dress.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

This pattern was printed in 1973. When I saw it I knew I had to make the one piece bathing suit. I tend to love the late 60s early 70s when sewing for myself. If I could get away with it I would be sewing Natural Form dresses to wear everyday. I just don't know if I'm allowed to be quite that eccentric on a regular basis.

Sorry for the awful pics! I haven't had a chance to get good ones!

The suit is simple construction, and... unlined except for the top. I suggest adding lining to the bottom. Thankfully, I only swim with family for the most part. My mom informed me that my swimsuit has a see through effect when wet. So! You've been warned!

Back View

The only thing uncomfortable about this pattern is how tight the neck tie ends up being. One could shorten the top where the ties are threaded I supposed. Perhaps I will do that on my next one.

Maybe a Pucci Print like this one (taken from Pinterest, dead link)

This one is navy. I chose this color because I already had it in my stash. When I buy fabric for my next one I want to do Pucci inspired print and buy enough to do a matching Biba inspired head wrap. I love Biba.

Biba Ad; http://sweetjanespopboutique.blogspot.co.uk/

And don't forget about the Annual Summer Pattern Sale! 55% off all patterns. No coupon required! Go there now!